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Justice News

Dallas County Man Who Fired Numerous Shots at Officer with Ennis Police Department During a High Speed Pursuit Sentenced to 480 Months in Federal Prison

DALLAS — A Lancaster, Texas, Man, Javier Martinez, 24, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 480 months in federal prison for his involvement in an attempted kidnapping and then subsequently firing numerous shots at an officer with the Ennis Police Department during a high-speed pursuit, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

In October 2016, Martinez pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit kidnapping; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Martinez has been in custody since the time of his arrest in September 2016.

Co-defendants Jose Cardenas Aguirre, 25, and Maria Guadalupe Bello, 22, were sentenced in March 2017. Aguirre was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison. Bello was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. Co-defendants Melissa Trevino, 23, and Indolfo Martinez, 47, who is Javier Martinez’s father, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the kidnapping, cocaine and heroin distribution, and/or firearm offenses and are awaiting sentencing later this month. One remaining defendant charged in the case, Jonathan Benitez, remains a fugitive.

“The sentences in these cases reflect the horrific and stunningly brazen nature of these crimes,” said US Attorney Parker. “Extremely violent criminals like these will continue to be a high priority for my office.”

According to documents filed in the case, on July 12, 2016, Martinez, along with Aguirre and Trevino, planned to kidnap another individual because of an unpaid drug debt involving cocaine. During the planned kidnapping, Martinez and Aguirre wore ballistic vests and black camouflage clothing. The kidnapping was unsuccessful, and as Martinez, Aguirre, and Trevino fled the scene, they were engaged in a high-speed chase with officers with the Ennis Police Department. During this pursuit, Martinez, using an AR-156 style rifle, fired numerous shots at a police officer. Martinez led, supervised, and organized this planned kidnapping.

Between December 2015, and continuing to July 2016, Martinez conspired to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. On February 5, 2016, Martinez possessed a firearm in furtherance of these drug trafficking crimes.

In addition, according to the factual resume, on January 7, 2016, Martinez sold another individual one ounce of heroin and offered to sell that same individual one kilogram of heroin for $40,000. During that same conversation, Martinez offered to sell the same individual an AK-47 for $7,000 and an AR-15 rifle for $1,500. On April 11, 2016, Martinez sold three ounces of heroin and two AR-15’s to another individual; these drug and gun sales took place at his residence.

The case was investigated by the Ennis Police Department and the FBI’s Violent Gang Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl prosecuted.